A Gift to Others, A Gift to Myself

Dear Readers,
As I continue on this path of not drinking, I am understanding the immense importance of helping other people on their path to sobriety.
In AA, sharing your story, service, and sponsoring other people are a cornerstone of the program. 

There is a reason for this.
By helping other people, I get out of my own headspace.
I get away from self-centeredness and focus on someone else.

And guess what. It really does work!
There is some research behind the the helper theory in recovery.
People who help other people, stay sober longer themselves!
Some of the research is hard to read, but in case you want to read all the little figures and big words, go here.
However, there is a short easy-to-read article here.

But what if you don't go to meetings?
What other ways can you help?
Being a sober pen-pal for someone can help.
Writing a blog, and responding to other people's blog helps.

Who helped me?
My husband
My family
My friends
My Women for Sobriety friends
My AA friends
My sponsor
My yoga teachers
My yoga fellow learners
My life coach
My doctors
My former co-workers
My blogger friends

Yes, I have to do it myself, but not alone. The most powerful help comes from other people saying, "Yes, I get it. Yes, I did that too. Yes, you too can stop drinking and be really happy!"

A gift to you is a gift to myself. 

To all my friends in recovery who are struggling? Don't give up trying. Reach out for help, and keep reaching out. When you have a hand to hold yours, hang on tight.